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Lucinda Williams — I Lost It
Album: Car Wheels on a Gravel Road
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2081









Released: 1998
Length: 3:27
Plays (last 30 days): 5
I think I lost it, let me know if you come across it
Let me know if I let it fall along a back road somewhere
Money can't replace it, no memory can erase it
and I know I'm never gonna find another one to compare

Gimme some love to fill me up
Gimme some time, gimme some stuff
Gimme a sign, gimme some kind of reason
Are you heavy enough to make me stay?
I feel like I might blow away
I thought I was in Heaven, but I was only dreaming

I think I lost it, let me know if you come across it
Let me know if I let it fall along a back road somewhere
Money can't replace it, no memory can erase it
and I know I'm never gonna find another one to compare

I just wanna live the life I please
I don't want no enemies
I don't want nothin if i have to fake it
Never take nothin don't belong to me
Everything's paid for, nothin's free
If I give my heart, will you promise not to break it?

I think I lost it, let me know if you come across it
Let me know if I let it fall along a back road somewhere
Money can't replace it, no memory can erase it
and I know I'm never gonna find another one to compare

Money can't replace it, no memory can erase it
and I know I'm never gonna find another one to compare
Comments (153)add comment
Easy 8 for me; might bump it up. Just great songwriting.
This album was my intro to Lucinda, a classic. Saw her last year at the Enmore in Sydney. No guitar playing but still singing up a storm, what a performer. 
We went to her concert in 2022 at Wolf Trap, she's still amazing
Such a great album. Also, accordions rock. 🪗
this may be one of the few songs by her i dig. i also like the cover she does of a tom petty record.

one really cannot mistake her voice. i often wonder if her accent is as bold in her speaking voice. it's funny how with some artists - say british  for example - that one often doesn't hear an accent in vocals. i imagine it's different with lucinda. hers is such an accent that can't be ignored/mistaken. just my opinion...

sometimes she makes me stabby.
Fantastic album! Right time right place for me.
Your experience may vary.
Although I’ve seen alternate stories (things change over the decades) I’d heard this a long time ago: 

When I was at LSU in the latter 70s, there was a big push for I FOUND IT bumper stickers, advertising religion. I bought a few saying I LOST IT and got up at the LSU Free Speech Alley to see if I could re-sell them and make a couple pennies.

Then Lucinda used that as the genesis of this song.

(And I’m from Lake Charles, too. Her stuff really resonates.)
Make it "Bicycle Wheels on a Gravel Road" and I'm there    (great song either way!).
Saw her April 19th at the Boulder Theater, where I'd seen her nearly 20 years before. She's not able to play guitar yet since her stroke last year, but she can still sing her heart out. She and her rocking band Buick 6 had us all up and dancing in the aisles for the whole show! See this National Treasure perform if you can -- it's an unforgettable experience...
Different strokes I suppose, but I get instant goosebumps and they don't go away until she's done. Upped to a ten.
A rare day… RP was not “doing it for me”. Then this. Thank you.
Best day-drinkin' in a dark bar music ever.
 salupi wrote:
hahahahahahahahaha..............................
wow, Car wheels on a Gravel Road....o, yeah, take me a ride on the ...
hahahahahahahahaha.............................
what a stubid voice,....like a screaming in the bush!

So articulate and profound.  A few more ESL classes and you might be ready to tackle a real sentence. 
 salupi wrote:
hahahahahahahahaha..............................
wow, Car wheels on a Gravel Road....o, yeah, take me a ride on the ...
hahahahahahahahaha.............................
what a stubid voice,....like a screaming in the bush!


stubid is as stubid does... 
Love LW!  Total package!  Fukingroovin!
hahahahahahahahaha..............................
wow, Car wheels on a Gravel Road....o, yeah, take me a ride on the ...
hahahahahahahahaha.............................
what a stubid voice,....like a screaming in the bush!
Lucinda had a stroke just before Thanksgiving 2020.  Ready to sing again.

She has no contemporary equal.  
Can't find anything not to like about LW!
Look like Frank Black song but is good 
Others have said similar stuff already, but I have to add to the praise - this song simply ROCKS - such great guitar and emotion!  Rock on, Lucinda!
Steve Earle produced this along with a little help from E Street's Roy Bittan. Together they made a great album.
First saw her live at an outdoor stage on the Willamette River in Portland, OR. She was touring behind just released Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, July '98. Her band was jaw dropping over the top. Lead guitar was a guy from Colorado. Killer chops. Wish I knew who it was.

The accordion bridge is pure zydeco creole Cajun from her neck o' the woods. Totally appropriate.
 oufason wrote:
Originally Posted by catmaven: To me this does not sound "underground adult contemporary"--it sounds like derivative country-to-would-be-rock crossover attempt . . . sort of a Sheryl Crow can't-quite-be, and the low voice not as convincing as that of Marshall Tucker (I think that's her name). Not imaginative, derivative.
 
The irony of this comment is that we're still waiting for the crossover.  More than 20 years later LOL.

Incredible album.
Don't generally enjoy This Sort Of Thing, but always enjoy this one.
love that bangin gee-tar
Lucinda rocks
 h8rhater wrote:

No... they didn't.  Haters never do.  Recognizing art or the effort of the artist is just not a competency for them.  

 
Exactly. Haters can just hate. (something to do with their DNA, IMHO)
She has better songs imo, but her voice is just worth it, whatever the song. 
this guitar player is awesome and so is Lucinda!
 mrsquid wrote:


Accordion solo ? Who does that ? More accordion ...
 

Right? And that's a difficult instrument to play... But with her voice....
I never knew how much she could rock until I saw her live.
I totally loved this album, but haven't really liked anything else I've heard from her after. 
Lucinda sings and plays with soul.  You can't teach that, or fake it.  She's a gem, weird accordian solo notwithstanding.
Had the great privilege of seeing her on the Car Wheels tour earlier this week. Not to be missed, she was an absolute delight. 
 Skydog wrote:

yep
 

Accordion solo ? Who does that ? More accordion ...
so overrated
Most excellent artist, appreciate her dedication to touring and ability to continue to put out great music, solid, thank you Billy.
 jelgator wrote:
Every song on this album is a 9 or a 10.  I don't get these low ratings...but I guess the world needs Counting Crows fans too.  
 

maybe the world needs less country/folk music
Every song on this album is a 9 or a 10.  I don't get these low ratings...but I guess the world needs Counting Crows fans too.  
my favorite...kick ass song writer and singer.
 thewiseking wrote:
Lucinda, still a badass

 
agreed! {#Cheers}
Gross.
Lucinda, still a badass
She gave a wonderful show at the Fillmore last Friday.  For her encore she ripped through Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World" and "Brinsley Schwarz's "What's So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding," her response to the day's earlier events. 
 Businessgypsy wrote:
 Amazing, addictive recording with layers of nuance that are only revealed on close inspection.
 
yep
another 10 from her masterpeice
 just saw Lucinda here recently and she of course was indescribable.  Her band Buick 6 is amazing.
 hayduke2 wrote:

"grinds so good"!  That fits this number to a tee ejsamuel, cheers!!!

 
Well said. Lucinda defies categorization.
 ejsamuel wrote:
The whole damned album is excellent.  This one just grinds so good.

 
"grinds so good"!  That fits this number to a tee ejsamuel, cheers!!!
THIS is one of the Lucinda songs that made me a follower, and made me want to see her, and luckily, I did. I think her new stuff rocks!
 unclehud wrote:
Did any of y'all stop to consider that she wants to sound like a depressed drunk on this song?  I mean, like, to emphasize the spirit of the song?

 
No... they didn't.  Haters never do.  Recognizing art or the effort of the artist is just not a competency for them.  

The whole damned album is excellent.  This one just grinds so good.
Nice!

Some nights she's just grating...

Other times, she hits home and I just want to listen to her for hours...

Tonight is like that


 unclehud wrote:
Did any of y'all stop to consider that she wants to sound like a depressed drunk on this song?  I mean, like, to emphasize the spirit of the song?

 
EXACTLY!!!   I've been where she's singing from and this is what it feels like and sounds like and she is kicking it!
Did any of y'all stop to consider that she wants to sound like a depressed drunk on this song?  I mean, like, to emphasize the spirit of the song?
 Danimal174 wrote:
Lyrics aren't bad, but Lucinda always sounds like a drunk version of Sheryl Crow to me. And I don't really like Sheryl Crow that much.

 
I'll take a drunk Lucinda over a sober Crow any day....
it took time, but i grew to love her stuff. EXCEPT the song - car wheels...
i can't stand that one.
this i like, a lot. 
 Hannio wrote:


Yup.  Listening to her makes me think of the winos that used to show up at Brackenridge E.R. back when I worked there.  They always had a sickeningly sweet odor about them, and for some reason Lucinda's singing brings up that memory.  Not a very nice thing to say, I know.
 
Wait a minute ... is that a bad thing?  Taht's why I prefer Lucinda to Sheryl (the
one who used to hang with that drug addled cyclist).  But then I'm a drunk from way
back.  A girl drink drunk even, and lucinda is my go to girl drink drunk new country
singer.

 Danimal174 wrote:
Lyrics aren't bad, but Lucinda always sounds like a drunk version of Sheryl Crow to me.
 

Yup.  Listening to her makes me think of the winos that used to show up at Brackenridge E.R. back when I worked there.  They always had a sickeningly sweet odor about them, and for some reason Lucinda's singing brings up that memory.  Not a very nice thing to say, I know.
 michaelgmitchell wrote:

This is an interesting observation, though three years has passed. I'm on the fence with Lucinda. I think 'Danimal' explained it for me.
 
I agree. I like this song, and I generally enjoy her music, but some days she just sounds like a total stoner. 
 Shaker wrote:
Fun, upbeat yet...this sounds so harsh after hearing Margo from Cowboys Junkies.
 
Philip Glass could sound harsh after hearing The Cowboy Junkies.  Good tune.
Wow, this album is 13 years old now!  It's still close to being a perfect disk.
 Danimal174 wrote:
Lyrics aren't bad, but Lucinda always sounds like a drunk version of Sheryl Crow to me. And I don't really like Sheryl Crow that much.
 
This is an interesting observation, though three years has passed. I'm on the fence with Lucinda. I think 'Danimal' explained it for me.
 slimvincent wrote:
"Car Wheels..." is amazing. I've never owned ot listened to another LW record. Are they all as good?

 
No. They're good: they'd be high water marks for most other performers, but none of them quite add up to this.

 Shaker wrote:
Fun, upbeat yet...this sounds so harsh after hearing Margo from Cowboys Junkies.
 

the word is not harsh, the word is ALIVE!
AAACKKKK! ear assault
"Car Wheels..." is amazing. I've never owned ot listened to another LW record. Are they all as good?

I dont criticize cuz I got no CD's "out there"  actually one I can listen to over and over ...be nice ,it is cowpuke...I think!?{#Motor}
Patty Griffin, on the other hand is pure Godess of the art...over and over and over and over....git da point?
After years of playing this CD in the car in almost pathological repetition, I've taken a break for the past four or five. Think it's time to take up old habits. Amazing, addictive recording with layers of nuance that are only revealed on close inspection.

 Danimal174 wrote:
Lyrics aren't bad, but Lucinda always sounds like a drunk version of Sheryl Crow to me. And I don't really like Sheryl Crow that much.
 
I couldn't have stated it better.

horrible
Fun, upbeat yet...this sounds so harsh after hearing Margo from Cowboys Junkies.


 Shesdifferent wrote:
Give me some relief from this song! What a horrid wake up to song, blecch!
Try getting up earlier. 


Give me some relief from this song! What a horrid wake up to song, blecch!
ah...back before she fried her vocal cords....Car Wheels and Sweet Old World were her peak it seems....love this
My favorite Lucinda song!  Love these lyrics.
 Danimal174 wrote:
Lyrics aren't bad, but Lucinda always sounds like a drunk version of Sheryl Crow to me. And I don't really like Sheryl Crow that much.

 
+1, but she (Crow) does have have a fantastic pair of legs!!{#Lol}


got all her albums but still 'sit up an' listen' when played on RP! {#Music}


{#Dancingbanana_2}
stewliscious wrote:

I heard this in the background and thought it was the Jayhawks, and lo and behold I see a reference to the Jayhawks.



That Jayhawks song, "Miss Williams' Guitar" is about this lady. The lead Jayhawks guy and she got married but got divorced too.

 Hodgie wrote:
I need to learn more about this here Lucinda woman. She's pulling me in. I know the genre is known by many names but The Jayhawks enlisted me a decade ago and I really don't know the music of other artists. And I'm told she does it well.
 
The genre is best known as Adult Alternative Album (too broad a category, in my opinion), Americana, Outlaw Country, or as Robert Earl Keen calls it "The Back Forty" (as opposed to the Top Forty).

But Americana is the name that has stuck. Heck, they even have their own awards ceremonies and websites now.

If you haven't heard this album, check it out. It is Lucinda at her best. Enjoy! {#Wave}
Lyrics aren't bad, but Lucinda always sounds like a drunk version of Sheryl Crow to me. And I don't really like Sheryl Crow that much.

 Hodgie wrote:
I need to learn more about this here Lucinda woman.

She's pulling me in. I know the genre is known by many names but The Jayhawks enlisted me a decade ago and I really don't know the music of other artists.

And I'm told she does it well.
 
I heard this in the background and thought it was the Jayhawks, and lo and behold I see a reference to the Jayhawks.

I need to learn more about this here Lucinda woman. She's pulling me in. I know the genre is known by many names but The Jayhawks enlisted me a decade ago and I really don't know the music of other artists. And I'm told she does it well.
Xeric wrote:
The up tempo version on the tribute to Graham Parsons album ("Drunken Angel"?) is even better.
"Drunken Angel" is a Lucinda song about Blaze Foley. She covers "Return Of The Grievous Angel" on the Gram Parsons tribute. Awesome album, btw...
SCprof wrote:
Cool song. I like the somewhat hard edge on the guitar.
Gurf Morlix. Toad of Titicaca is one of my favorite albums ever.
swaying in my chair
tony99 wrote:
Absoooolutely .... other exceptions would be Emmylou and Patti Griffn
I'll third that!!
Good, honest, bluesy, dirt on your jeans Americana. What's not to like? A worthy tune. I like the underproduction and the raw emotion. Quite likeable!
bill, play blue
queenjill wrote:
She doesn't have a classically beautiful voice, but to me she makes up for it because she sings with such genuine emotion. Her cover of Nick Drake's "Which Will" makes me cry every time. It's an achy song anyway, but she just reaches in and breaks my heart.
my darling wife brought home a movie called The Eye of God one night, some years ago...it was fresh and new in 1997, but on VHS for us that night. The ending took my breath away and as the credits rose in white letters against the terror, Which Will by Lucinda played in the background. Too sad and too tramatized to cry, I latched onto Lucinda's quiet, methodical rendition of this tragic song, and thereupon, we discovered Lucinda Williams. How fitting
Yo, Lucifer dude. Forget that EADG guy in DC and all dat stuff he want ... hummph ... Lucinda Just Lucinda ... OK Lucifer, where do I be signing da parchment? Yo.
Dear Lucifer, here's the deal: Bon Scott's voice. Stevie Ray's 6 string chops. Bass player for Lucinda. Take me, I'm yours.
Cool song. I like the somewhat hard edge on the guitar.
I just wanna live the life I please I don't want no enemies I don't want nothin if I have to fake it Never take nothin don't belong to me Great song!
Lucinda.Let me be your sex slave
Turned it up to 11.
Sometimes she speaks to me so profoundly. This tune is one of those times.
PattonFever wrote:
she's not a bad writer, i just can't stand her voice. i have the same problem with joni mitchell and bob dylan. awesome artists; voices that make me cringe.
She doesn't have a classically beautiful voice, but to me she makes up for it because she sings with such genuine emotion. Her cover of Nick Drake's "Which Will" makes me cry every time. It's an achy song anyway, but she just reaches in and breaks my heart.
Deronius wrote:
Saw her with Steve Earle in Newport a few years ago. Absolutely fantastic. Great performer. When peeps say these are the exceptions to not liking Country I think this IS Country. The stuff on most country radio is some amalgamation of singers and writers with the bottom line first and foremost in their minds as they pander to whatever the most popular thought of the day is.
Right on!
I agree that this song and album rock especially on fridays but in concert she sounds note-for-note like the album... a bit disappointin
wow I don't like her voice. At least I don't have to hear her singing about car wheels on a gravel road ad nauseum.
Xeric wrote:
The up tempo version on the tribute to Graham Parsons album ("Drunken Angel"?) is even better.
Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Xeric??
Damn she's GOOD, 'nuf said.
GAWD this just grabs me from across the room and commands me TURN IT UP! and man if you get the chance to see her do this live you are gonna get jazzed to the max! Sizzlin' 'Cinda, go baby, go!
She is something else. Great writer. Good singer.
Just to keep the balance..... "AAAAGGggggghhhhhh." Jimmie Dale Gilmore & Lucinda & Steve Earle in a rocket to the nether-regions beyond Pluto - BLISS. volume WAY down
Shawneeo wrote:
Having seen them both separately, the thought of such a show gets me absolutely aroused. (Am I allowed to say that?)
Just keep you hands above the keyboard.
Deronius wrote:
Saw her with Steve Earle in Newport a few years ago. Absolutely fantastic. Great performer.
Having seen them both separately, the thought of such a show gets me absolutely aroused. (Am I allowed to say that?)
Not a huge fan of her's, but this is a great song.
Saw her with Steve Earle in Newport a few years ago. Absolutely fantastic. Great performer. When peeps say these are the exceptions to not liking Country I think this IS Country. The stuff on most country radio is some amalgamation of singers and writers with the bottom line first and foremost in their minds as they pander to whatever the most popular thought of the day is.
algrif wrote:
If you were to ask me, I would say I don't particularly like country....... But then there are exceptions to every rule. Lucinda is one. Thank goodness.
Absoooolutely .... other exceptions would be Emmylou and Patti Griffn
Mari wrote:
... ...
I have SEEN her live, and I must agree! She and her band rocked us at The Boulder Theater for over 3 hours -- and someone there said she had seen her somewhere in Texas and she had done the same, so it was no fluke... Love Lucinda! She's intense and yet down-to-earth and OH SO SOULFUL and oh so very very good!
If you were to ask me, I would say I don't particularly like country....... But then there are exceptions to every rule. Lucinda is one. Thank goodness.
Xeric wrote:
The up tempo version on the tribute to Graham Parsons album ("Drunken Angel"?) is even better.
Oooh, I have to check that album out! LOVE the Grievous Angel...
Odyzzeuz wrote:
I personally think she's amazing.
... ...
What a PERFECT follow-up to Blind Faith. Bill, You da MAN!
Lucinda was named "America's best songwriter" by TIME magazine in 2002. Her dad's an academic and poet. Interesting background. Check out information on her at this link on the Wiki: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucinda_Williams I personally think she's amazing. But then, I like all kinds of music.
I sure pity those who have not yet discovered Lucinda.
PattonFever wrote:
if she's written anything good , i haven't heard it.
Artists such as Rosanne Cash, Emmylou Harris, and Tom Petty have had hits covering songs she's written.